TCRHCC Dental Assistant Scholarship Program - ECHO Cliffs

Navajo Preference Employment Act

In accordance with Navajo Nation and federal law, TCRHCC has implemented an Affirmative Action Plan pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Pursuant to this Plan and corresponding TCRHCC Policy, applicants who meet the necessary qualifications for this position and (1) are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe will be given preference in hiring and employment for this position, (2) are legally married to enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and meet residency requirements will be given secondary preference, and (3) are enrolled members of other federally-recognized American Indian Tribes will be given tertiary preference.

Overview

This document outlines the guidelines for the TCRHCC Dental Assistant scholarship program and includes the application materials and deadlines for scholarship awards.

The goals of this program are to encourage Native American young adults to pursue lifelong education and continuing education in the area of dental public health in order to improve the oral health of native communities of Northern Arizona.

Awards: Tuition for American Institute of Dental Assisting, a 13-week Dental Assistant program in Phoenix and a stipend of $1,000 for travel expenses.

Selection for awardees will be made by TCRHCC Dental Program Directors that review all of the candidates for each scholarship cycle.

Application Deadlines: First Cycle: October 2, 2026

Qualifications

Scholarship Eligibility

• Applicants must be Native American, who exemplify good moral character, integrity, have enthusiasm for learning, and live within the Tuba City Service Unit.
• Applicants must apply and be accepted into the American Institute of Dental Assisting certification program. Tuition and fees for the program will be paid directly to the program by TCRHCC. Applicants may use their stipend funds toward travel related expenses to attend the program.
• Applicants are required to submit a short essay that identifies a public health issue or initiative and explain how they believe their educational pursuits will impact and advance the issue or initiative. The essay should include a description of the academic pursuit for which they are applying and a copy of their most recent transcript, if applicable. Applicant must have a high school diploma or GED and be vaccinated against Covid-19.
• Upon successful completion of the dental assistant program, scholarship recipients must commit to 2 years of service at TCRHCC Dental as a dental assistant.